An estimated two million pilgrims have converged in Saudi Arabia for the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage today, lasting until Wednesday, September 13th.
The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which capable Muslims must perform at least once, marking the spiritual peak of their lives.
Worshippers from more than 150 countries will embark on a 5-day journey from the city of Mecca to Mount Arafat and back and perform sacred rites along the way.
A guide to the journey of the Hajj pilgrims, via Al Arabiya.
The government of Saudi Arabia has heightened its preparedness and security measures following the stampede tragedy last year in Mina that, according to Saudi Arabia’s official tally, claimed 769 lives while other estimates exceed 2,000 killed. It was the deadliest disaster in the history of the Hajj.
The government has reportedly installed as many as 1,000 new cameras at Saudi Arabia’s Masjid al-Haram, or Grande Mosque. New construction has transformed the face and capabilities of the world’s largest mosque – recent photos released by the Saudi Press Agency show the new and impressive interior of the Masjid al-Haram and worshippers gathering within.
Also for the first time, pilgrims will be given electronic bracelets storing personal and medical information that will help authorities provide care and identify people, according to Al Jazeera.
The Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
